Sir Charles Thompson • Takin' Off

 

Review by Scott Yanow
Pianist Sir Charles Thompson's first three sessions as a leader (all originally cut for Apollo) are reissued in full on this valuable Delmark CD. Actually, as good as Thompson plays (his main influence was always Count Basie), it is not surprising that he is often overshadowed by his all-star sidemen. The first date (four titles) finds him heading a septet that also includes altoist Charlie Parker, trumpeter Buck Clayton, and tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon. Thompson is also featured in a septet with trumpeter Joe Newman and baritonist Leo Parker that resulted in four songs and three alternate takes, plus a ten-piece group with both Newman and Taft Jordan on trumpets and altoist Pete Brown. This CD not only has the original two titles from the latter date, but two previously unissued songs and a pair of alternates. With the exception of Charlie Parker and Dexter Gordon, the music is generally swing-oriented with basic originals and concise (but colorful) solos. Highly recommended.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/takin-off-mw0000081088

//////

Reseña de Scott Yanow
Las tres primeras sesiones del pianista Sir Charles Thompson como líder (todas ellas grabadas originalmente para Apollo) se reeditan íntegramente en este valioso CD de Delmark. En realidad, con lo bien que toca Thompson (su principal influencia siempre fue Count Basie), no es de extrañar que a menudo se vea eclipsado por sus acompañantes estrella. La primera fecha (cuatro títulos) lo encuentra encabezando un septeto que también incluye al contralto Charlie Parker, al trompetista Buck Clayton y al saxofonista tenor Dexter Gordon. Thompson también aparece en un septeto con el trompetista Joe Newman y el baritonista Leo Parker que dio como resultado cuatro canciones y tres tomas alternativas, además de un grupo de diez piezas con Newman y Taft Jordan en las trompetas y el contralto Pete Brown. Este CD no sólo cuenta con los dos títulos originales de esta última fecha, sino con dos canciones inéditas y un par de alternativas. Con la excepción de Charlie Parker y Dexter Gordon, la música está generalmente orientada al swing con originales básicos y solos concisos (pero coloridos). Muy recomendable.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/takin-off-mw0000081088

Tracklist:
1 - Takin’ Off - 3:05
2 - If I Had You - 2:58
3 - 20th Century Blues - 2:54
4 - Street Beat - 2:33
5 - Tunis In - 2:50
6 - Strange Hours - 3:00
7 - Rhythm Itch - 2:49
8 - Mad Lad - 2:37
9 - Benson Alley - 3:07
10 - Sir Charles’ Boogie - 2:35
11 - Harlem Jump - 2:34
12 - Mr. Big Horn - 2:59
13 - Benson Alley (alternate) - 3:33
14 - Strange Hours (alternate) - 3:03
15 - Rhythm Itch (alternate) - 2:58
16 - Harlem Jump (alternate) - 2:34
17 - Mad Lad (alternate) - 2:42


Credits:
    Alto Saxophone – Charlie Parker (tracks: 1 to 4), Pete Brown (2) (tracks: 9 to 12, 16)
    Baritone Saxophone – Leo Parker (tracks: 5 to 8, 14, 15, 17), Tate Houston (tracks: 9 to 12, 16)
    Bass – Jimmy Butts (tracks: 1 to 4), John Simmons (tracks: 5 to 17)
    Drums – J.C. Heard (tracks: 1 to 4), Shadow Wilson (tracks: 5 to 17)
    Guitar – Danny Barker (tracks: 1 to 4), Freddy Green (tracks: 5 to 8, 14, 15, 17), Hank Morton (tracks: 9 to 12, 16)
    Liner Notes – Len Bukowski
    Piano – Sir Charles Thompson
    Tenor Saxophone – Bob Dorsey (tracks: 5 to 17), Dexter Gordon (tracks: 1 to 4)
    Trombone – H.B. Mitchell (tracks: 9 to 12, 16)
    Trumpet – Buck Clayton (tracks: 1 to 4), Joe Newman (tracks: 5 to 17), Taft Jordan (tracks: 9 to 12, 16)

Notes:
Recorded: Tracks 1 to 4 in New York, September 4, 1943; Tracks 5 to 8, 14, 15, 17 in New York, Summer, 1947; Tracks 9 to 12, 16 in New York, December 29, 1947.
All tracks are originally from Apollo Records (2), 1 to 9, 12 are reissues, tracks 10, 11, 13 to 17 are previously not released.


Label:  Delmark Records ‎– DD-450
Series: Apollo Series –
Released: 1992
Genre: Jazz
Style: Swing, Bop
https://www.discogs.com/Sir-Charles-Thompson-Takin-Off/release/8740506

MORE Sir Charles Thompson ...


This file is intended only for preview!
I ask you to delete the file from your hard drive or device after reading it.
thank for the original uploader